The Takamine TK40 Preamp found on G-Series guitars features volume control, bass, middle and treble frequency slider controls, EQ bypass, a Notch Filter, Tuner and a Mid Contour Switch. The preamp is switched on by plugging a standard 1/4" mono instrument cable into the endpin strap pin/jack. These last four features are described in greater detail below:

EQ Bypass: This push button enables the user to engage or defeat the EQ section. When the switch is in the depressed position, the EQ is active. Return the switch to the “up” position and the EQ circuit is bypassed. The bypass of the EQ circuit is desirable in some studio or live environments where external EQ is preferable. The user can also use this defeat switch to quickly check the results of the EQ adjustments relative to the original sound.

Notch Filter: A Notch Filter is a very special kind of EQ, an extremely narrow and deep cut of an audio frequency band. The TK-4N has a "tunable" notch filter which empowers the user to select the specific frequency band that will be affected by the notch. With this tunable notch filter the user can "surgically" remove troublesome feedback frequencies that occur due to the natural resonance of the guitar and interaction with the environment.

The notch control provides control of the center frequency of the notch effect. When the monitor or stage levels are too high, and the user hears the guitar starting to feed back, the player can engage the notch circuitry by pushing the "In/Out" button under the "Notch Filter" knob, and simply tune the filter (actually changing the center frequency of the notch) by slowly rotating the notch control until the feedback is eliminated.

Mid Contour: By pushing (activating) the Mid Contour button, the user is selecting a pre-shape EQ that emphasizes the frequencies normally found to be "desirable" in an acoustic guitar (400 Hz). With the Mid Contour button is depressed, the mid EQ is effectively controlling "nasal" tone qualities while in the up position, the mid control can add punch in upper mids or help "round off" the attack present in this frequency spectrum. The user should experiment with the button and the "Middle" control to determine their sound preference.

Tuner: The tuner in the TK40 is fully chromatic and automatic. The battery drops into the top of the preamp under the battery cover. There are "+" and "-" markings at the bottom of the compartment. Press the tuner switch to activate it. The note played is shown in the digital display. Up and down arrows will appear, when both are on and not flashing, the note is in tune. If the "up" arrow is flashing the string must be tuned higher, and if the "down" arrow is flashing the string must be tuned lower. The slower the arrow flashes, the closer the string is to being in tune to the note displayed. The tuner does not mute the output and turns off automatically after one minute. It can't be turned off manually.

I went to a very well-stocked music shop to look for an acoustic bass. I pulled 8 different ones down--all different makes, models and prices--and played them all. The Takamine was the third one I played and it became the one to beat. It never got beaten. Great sound, both plugged and unplugged. And plenty loud enough unplugged for practicing. Beautiful tone. No fret buzz. Perfect intonation. The built-in tuner is dead accurate. I couldn't be happier with the quality of this bass. And it was built in CHINA.

Consider the Takamine EG512C Acoustic Bass Guitar made in Korea under Takamine specifications has good sound and the sound ages better with time. Consider the Takamine is well done and has that beautiful Takamine finish (mine came with Abalone incrustations in the sound hole). Consider the Takamine EG512C Acoustic Bass Guitar comes with a TKL hard case (TKL 8968). Consider the preamp has a built on tuner (Takamine TK4N). And you have a very good Acoustic Bass and a really good deal for the price.

I have played in bars and studios all over 3 states, and I have found that this Takamine and a Trace Elliot 4x10 combo gives me all the punch I need from the smallest clubs to outdoor 3000 seat arenas. It has a big sound and the mellow slap for bluegrass and swing era jazz. I have tried them all and for the money Takamine has a winner with this bass. You can't go wrong for under $500.00.

I have been a bass player for about 14 years and have handled many basses. I am predominately an electric bass player, but I love this acoustic bass. I have dabbled with many other acoustic basses but this one is one of the best I've played. If you are looking for a bass with a great low register and minimal buzzing on the lower frets, this bass is for you. I highly recommend this acoustic bass.

After having my Taylor stolen at a recording studio while I was out to lunch, this was the best replacement I could find that I could afford at the time. The sound this bass generates is awesome. I still want my Taylor back, but for the price, not even Martin can compete. Its the best bass I have ever put my hands on besides the Taylor. I'm glad they finally made a good instrument with a affordable price. thanks Takamine!

This bass is a bargain. It has more than fulfilled my expectations. The electronics are good,with very little hum except when turned all the way up. When unplugged,plays clear as a bell. When plugged in,has a very "uprightish" tone. Neck is fast,and fit and finish are very good. The free case is a bit of a tight fit considering the electronics are mounted near your right arm. Overall,the best acoustic bass outside of a Taylor,and 1/3 of the price

I tried many brands while looking for a replacement for a borrowed Dean performer. I bought this model and love it. No buzzing to speak of, loud acoustic performance, great preamp controls. I tried Fender, Martin, Tacoma, Dean Performer Plus, Ovation and others and for the price couldn't beat this one! Tacoma and Dean Performer Plus (natural finish only) were close seconds. No one else was in the same league. Best feature, great lower string voice.

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